Definition & Meaning of "Knee-high to a grasshopper"

Knee-high to a grasshopper

/nˈiːhˈaɪ tʊ ɐ ɡɹˈashɒpə/

/nˈiːhˈaɪ tʊ ɐ ɡɹˈæshɑːpɚ/

knee-high to a grasshopper

PHRASE

(of a person) very young or very small

knee-high to a grasshopper definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "knee-high to a grasshopper" and when to use it?

The idiom "knee-high to a grasshopper" is believed to have originated in the 19th century, and it is used to describe someone who is very young or small in stature. The phrase suggests that the person is as small as a grasshopper and barely reaches up to the knees of an adult. It is often used in a nostalgic or affectionate way to refer to someone's early childhood years or to describe a young child.

extremely or unusually small in size or importance

What is the origin of the idiom "knee-high to a grasshopper" and when to use it?

The idiom "knee-high to a grasshopper" originates from the literal description of someone or something being very small in size. It emphasizes the image of a grasshopper, a tiny insect, in relation to the height of a person, particularly a child. It is used to describe someone or something that is extremely small or of little importance.

Example

Compared to the grandeur of the neighboring buildings, the quaint little café on the corner is knee-high to a grasshopper.

Back when we were knee-high to a grasshopper, we used to play in the fields behind our house for hours.

When I first started working at the company, my opinion was considered knee-high to a grasshopper.

Grandpa used to tell stories about when he was knee-high to a grasshopper, walking to school in the snow.

The budget for our project is knee-high to a grasshopper, making it challenging to achieve our ambitious goals.

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